����
www.nornickel.ru
NORNICKEL ENVIRONMENTAL AMBITIONS
����
NORNICKEL ENVIRONMENTAL AMBITIONS
The Bellona Foundation is an international environmental NGO based in Norway. Founded
in 1986 as a direct action protest group, Bellona has become a recognized technology
and solution-oriented organization with offices in Oslo, Brussels, St. Petersburg and
Murmansk. Altogether, some 60 engineers, ecologists, nuclear physicists, economists,
lawyers, political scientists and journalists work at Bellona.
Environmental change is an enormous challenge. It can only be solved if politicians and
legislators develop clear policy frameworks and regulations for industry and consumers.
Industry plays a role by developing and commercializing environmentally sound
technology. Bellona strives to be a bridge builder between industry and policy makers,
working closely with the former to help them respond to environmental challenges in
their field, and proposing policy measures that promote new technologies with the least
impact on the environment.
Author: Ekaterina Razinkova
Contributors:Aleksandr Nikitin
Charles Digges
Oskar Njaa
Design: Aleksandra Solokhina
© Bellona 2019
Disclaimer: Bellona endeavors to ensure that the information disclosed in this report
is correct and free from copyrights, but does not warrant or assume any legal liability
or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, interpretation or usefulness of the
information which may result from the use of this report.
Contact: [email protected]
Web page: www.bellona.org
3
T���� �� C����
Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 4
1. Spending on environmental activities ........................................................................ 6
2. Environmental progress at Nornickel’s facilities.................................................... 9
2.1. Kola MMC. Plans and achieved results .......................................................................... 9
2.2. Polar Division. Plans and achieved results ............................................................... 11
2.3. Production of the main metals and related pollution of the atmosphere ... 13
2.4. Water and soil pollution .................................................................................................. 15
3. Nornickel’s roadmap ......................................................................................................17
3.1. Key information for the roadmap ................................................................................ 17
3.2. Comments on the roadmap ............................................................................................ 20
3.3. Prospects for further development ............................................................................. 21
4. Air pollution laws and regulations ............................................................................24
4.1. Maximum permissible emissions ................................................................................ 24
4.2. Maximum permissible concentrations ...................................................................... 25
4.3. Technological emissions norms ................................................................................... 25
Conclusion ..............................................................................................................................31
4
I���� ����
Norilsk Nickel, also known as Nornickel is a world-leading producer of nickel, palladium and
other metals. It has its key company assets in the Russian Arctic, on the Taymyr and Kola
Peninsula. On the Kola Peninsula, company assets are operated by the subsidiary Kola Mining
and Metallurgical Company (Kola MMC). Processing facilities are located in Monchegorsk, as
well as the towns of Nikel and Zapolyarny near the borders to Norway and Finland. Moreover,
Nornickel has its facilities in Trans-Baikal Territory (Bystrinsky Mining and Processing Plant),
Finland (Norilsk Nickel Harjavalta), Australia (Honeymoon Well Project) and South Africa
(Norilsk Nickel Nkomati).
Any mining and metallurgical production, including that of Nornickel, is a source of emissions
and waste discharges, primarily sulfur dioxide and metals, that have a big impact on the
environment and health of people working at facilities and living in close proximity to them.
When industrial activity of Nornickel causes unacceptable levels of SO2, NO
x, heavy metals
(Ni, Cu) and some other pollutants emitted into the air and discharged into water bodies, this
might negatively affect people’s health and put pressure on flora and fauna.
The company recognizes its responsibility for negative impact on the environment. Besides,
the environmental actions are stimulated by constant attention towards company’s activity.
Wide range of actors, including state and regional authorities, neighboring countries, non-
governmental organizations, individuals, are interested in the company’s improvements
related to its environmental performance.
Nornickel puts great attention on informing the public about its activity and measures aimed
at improving the environmental situation in the regions of presence. The publication of reports
on sustainable development, disclosure of information on achieving the UN goals in the field
of sustainable development, holding a dialogue with foreign partners on environmental
issues, hosting conferences, implementing a corporate volunteering program, these are some
of the company’s measures aimed at increasing its transparency.
In recent years Nornickel has been firmly announcing its environmental concerns. The
main focuses of environmental policy entail gradual reduction of air pollutant emissions
and wastewater discharges, designing places of waste storage. These measures taken by
Nornickel and intended to mitigate negative environmental impact were not always strong.
However, the reality changes, public pressure increases and company’s management comes
to an understanding that new solutions and technologies should be introduced. In addition,
the Nornickel’s management team understands that entering the international arena by the
company requires social and environmental responsibility, therefore Nornickel shows good
will and tries to comply with international standards.
5
Worth noticing that Nornickel, being aware of its footprint, tries to compensate the damage
by investing in social projects, environmental campaigns, support of natural parks, historical
museums and others. In May 2019 the company received the annual award “The best social
projects of Russia” in the category “Promoting sport and healthy lifestyle”.
The present report aims to show recent achievements and plans related to the environmental
impact of company’s activity. This report discusses Nornickel’s progress in emissions
reduction and other measures aimed to strengthen environmental component of industrial
processes. The report also covers the legal framework that regulates emissions in Russia.
Moreover, an example of a roadmap is proposed, which makes it possible to follow the
main company’s efforts aimed to reduce its negative environmental impact. In addition, the
tendencies towards Nornickel’s transparency and establishing public relations are identified.
6
1. S������� �� ������������ �������
Nornickel regularly states its environmental spending (figure 1.1).
Figure 1.1. Environmental expenditures of Nornickel from 2013 to 2018
We have compiled an overview of statements and promises about investments from various
representatives of the company on different levels (table 1.1). The overview covers the years
of 2016 and 2017, and are thus most probably closely connected to the year of Ecology in
Russia in 2017. Regardless of the context in which the promises have been made, there was, as
the table shows, little information available on what the funds were actually going to be spent
on, and thus how much each project costs. The lack of a comprehensive plan with an overview
of projects and the environmental impact of the enterprise made it hard to keep track of the
promises.
(bln RUB)35
30
25
20
15
10
5
02013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
18.1 19.423.6 25.7 26.8
32.5
7
Table 1.1. Overview of promises around the start of the Year of Ecology
Who How much On what Over how many years
Vladimir Potanin, CEO, Nornickel1
14 billion dollarsMaking the world’s biggest nickel producer an example of environmental responsibility
7 years (from 2016)
Vladimir Potanin, CEO, Nornickel2
250 billion rubles Channeled to environmental activitiesWithin the framework of the Modernization Strategy up to 2023
Kola MMC3 27.7 billion rublesModernization and development project geared toward environmental effectiveness
Over two years (from early 2017)
Igor Ryshkel, former CEO of Kola MMC4
20 billion rubles (343 million dollars)
Projects on modernization of nickel production, and besides, construction of new treatment facilities at the Severny mine in Zapolyarny
Late 2017
However, from 2017 we see several improvements, both in terms of provided information
and launched projects. From 2017 to 2018 environmental expenditures increased by 21%
and amounted to 32.5 billion rubles. This growth was due to the capital investment that rose
by 150% compared to 2017. Moreover, the amount of money paid for damage caused by non-
compliance with environmental legislation (except fees) dropped from 244 to 1.5 million
rubles5.
Nornickel provides total numbers of its operating expenditures and capital investments, but
there is no detailed information on all the included measures. The simple summing up of the
capital investments that are provided for the main projects aimed to reduce environmental
impact does not give the same number as the total. This fact does not allow us to draw proper
conclusions on all the measures counted by the company as environmental expenditures.
Despite the lack of a detailed plan and costs of all environmental measures included at
environmental spending of Nornickel, we see that the year of 2018 was important for
developing several main projects (table 1.2), which will be discussed in the next chapter.
1 Information edition vedomosti.ru. In Russian (see: https://www.vedomosti.ru/business/characters/2016/12/20/670501-nravyatsyazarplata).
2 Financial magazine Forbes Russia. In Russian (see: http://www.forbes.ru/milliardery/338301-potanin-reshil-vlozhit-1-trln-rubley-vmodernizaciyu-nornikelya).
3 Information agency tass.ru. In Russian (see: http://tass.ru/v-strane/3958242).4 Russian news agency (see: http://tass.com/economy/987118).5 Nornickel, sustainability report. The new Nornickel: strategy in action, 2018. In Russian (see: https://www.nornickel.ru/upload/iblock/28a/NN_SR2018.pdf).
8
Table 1.2. Capital investments in the main processing projects at Kola MMC and the Polar Division in 20186
Project description Period cost (2018) Project cost
Modernization of Talnakh, phase 3. Polar Division
0.8 billion rubles (12 million dollars)
40 billion rubles (0.6 billion dollars)
Tank-house refurbishment. Monchegorsk10.8 billion rubles
(169 million dollars)about 22 billion rubles
(0.33 billion dollars)
Concentrate loading facility. Zapolyarny1.1 billion rubles
(17 million dollars)4.9 billion rubles
(85 million dollars)
Sulphur project. Polar Division2.3 billion rubles
(36 million dollars)up to 2.5 billion dollars
6 The table is based on the information from the Nornickel’s annual report. Progress towards sustainable growth, 2018. In Russian (see: https://www.nornickel.ru/upload/iblock/4d0/Godovoy_otchet_2018.pdf).
Nadezhda Metallurgical PlantPhoto: Nornickel
Norway The Barents Sea
Monchegorsk
Refining Shop
Murmansk
PGM Concentrator
Severny mine
Zapolyarny
Briquetting section
Nikel
Smelting Shop
9
2. E����������� ������ � N��������’ ��������
2.1. Kola MMC. Plans and achieved results
Production assets of Kola MMC are concentrated in Nikel, Zapolyarny and Monchegorsk
(figure 2.1). Kola MMC has four areas developed for mining: the Kotselvaara and Semiletka
fields located near the town of Nikel and the Zhdadnovskoye and Zapolyarnoye fields located
further east near the town of Zapolyarny.
Figure 2.1. Production assets of Kola MMC
Source: https://www.nornickel.com/business/assets/kola/
The Zapolyarny Concentrator produces briquetted copper-nickel concentrate that is further
delivered to the Smelting Shop in order to produce converter matte. In Monchegorsk converter
matte from Nikel’s Smelting Shop and Polar Division is processed into nickel and copper
cathodes, nickel powder and cobalt. The refining of precious metals that are produced by Kola
MMC takes place at Gulidov Krasnoyarsk Non-Ferrous Metals Plant.
Currently there are several ongoing projects at Kola MMC aimed to reduce SO2 emissions and
decrease polluted wastewater discharges (table 2.1).
10
Table 2.1. Environmental projects at Kola MMC 7
Site Project description Project timing Environmental objectives
Zapolyarny
Switching to concentrate briquetting technology (Zapolyarny Concentrator switched to briquetting technology making it possible to prepare the concentrate for pyro-processing only by mechanical briquetting using a binding agent; the sinter roasting shop was shut down)
Q1 2010 – Q4 2016
Reduction of SO2 emissions by 90% in Zapolyarny, compliance with permitted emissions levels
Construction of a concentrate loading facility at the concentration plant (Putting in place the scheme to ship the concentrated copper/nickel ore to a third-party consumer)
Q3 2017 – Q2 2019
Compliance with SO2 permitted emissions levels at the Nikel site
Nikel
Major overhaul of ore thermal furnace № 5 (Optimization of the production facilities due to the lower smelting shop utilization rates; the overhaul resulted in the installation of a gas-tight roof arch, modernization of a charge batch feeding system, smelting control system and gas removal system)
Q1 2014 – Q2 2016
Reduction of SO2 emissions from briquetting smelting
Monchegorsk
Refinery upgrade (Converting sulfates and chlorides of sodium, boric acid, that were up to here discharged in the wastewaters from the Nickel Electrolysis Shop, into commodity sulfate and chloride of sodium, boric acid and heat for a follow-on sale)
Q2 2013 – Q3 2017
Compliance with sulfates and chlorides allowable discharge rates for the Monchegorsk site, full stop of discharging boron compounds into wastewaters
Construction of a concentrate loading facility at the refining shop (Expanding the filter capacity and preventing disruptions in shipping rough nickel concentrate to NNH plant in Finland in case of Latham filter press breakdown)
Q3 2016 – Q1 2019
Elimination of environmental risks of exceeding permitted emissions levels at the Monchegorsk site in case of increased nickel and copper production
Production of copper cathode utilizing roast-leach-electrowin (RLE) process (switching to modern innovative copper cathode production technology)
Q1 2019 – Q3 2023
Reduction of SO2 emissions at the Monchegorsk site by 45% from the currently permitted emissions levels (39 900 tons) that is to guarantee an air emission margin for further production growth
Construction of a sulfuric acid section for RLE process (Providing capacities to ensure guaranteed recycle of sulfur using the modern technology)
Q1 2019 – Q3 2023
Compliance with the 39 900 tons permitted emissions levels
7 The table is based on the information from Nornickel’s presentation “Kola MMC Environmental Investment Projects”, 2018. The presentation was provided by Nornickel to the Bellona Foundation in June 2019.
11
The implementation of briquetting technology at the Zapolyarny site resulted in 90%
reduction of SO2 emissions and compliance with maximum permitted emissions levels
(see chapter 4.1). However, as it seems another project – concentrate loading facility, was
postponed. This project was supposed to be accomplished by the second quarter of 2019,
however in the beginning of June it was reported that public consultations on this project
were just held8. Thus, the delay in reaching the planned 50% reduction of SO2 emissions at the
Nikel site might be related to this concentrate loading facility project in Zapolyarny, as after
its completion the load at the Smelter Shop in Nikel will be significantly reduced, allowing
decommissioning of one of the ore-thermal furnaces and subsequent reduction of sulfur
dioxide emissions.
The projects in Monchegorsk are promising. The company shows willingness to strive for
further reduction of pollutants emitted into the atmosphere in order to guarantee an air
emission margin in case of a future production growth.
2.2. Polar Division. Plans and achieved results
Polar Division is the main production asset of Nornickel (figure 2.2). At the same time, Norilsk
is the city that is annually included into the Priority list of Russian cities with the highest level
of air pollution.
Figure 2.2. Production assets of Polar Division
Source: https://www.nornickel.com/business/assets/taimyr/
8 Web-based media Kn51.ru. Public consultations were held in the Pechengsky district on the project of the construction of a concentrate loading facility. In Russian (see: http://kn51.ru/news/company/monchegorsk_and_pechenga/2019/6/03/v-pechengskom-rayone-proshliobshchestvennye).
Nadezhda Metallurgical Plan
Norilsk Concentrator
Talnakh Concentrator
Copper Plant
Talnakh
Norilsk
Lake Pyasino
12
The company operates copper-nickel sulphide ore deposits of the Talnakhskoye and
Oktyabrskoye Fields that are developed by Taimyrsky, Oktyabrsky, Komsomolsky (including
Komsomolskaya and Skalistaya Mines), Mayak Mines, and the Norilsk-1 Field. The processing
of all produced ore takes place at Talnakh and Norilsk Concentrators. Thickened concentrates
are transported to Nadezhda Metallurgical Plant and Copper Plant, and further processed
there. All nickel is refined at Kola MMC and Norilsk Nickel Harjavalta.
The table 2.2. provides detailed information on the environmental projects at the Polar
Division.
Table 2.2. Environmental projects at the Polar Division
Project description Project timing Environmental objectives
Shutdown of the Nickel plant 2016
cessation of air emissions of 370 000 tons/year; 30% reduction of SO2 emissions in the residential zone of Norilsk
Upgrade of Talnakh Concentrator (Reconstruction of existing floatation capacities and replacing flotation machines, upgrading equipment)
2014-2017 increase of production capacity by 30%
Change in off-gas removal process, elimination of ground-level emission sources at Copper Plant
2014-2017
cessation of ground-level emissions – 11 000 tons/year; reduction of surface concentrations of pollutants in the residential area of Norilsk for sulfur dioxide – by 2.65 MPC
Sulphur Project (expansion and upgrade of the existing Sulphur production facilities at Copper Smelter; transferring converting operations from Copper to Nadezhda Smelter; SO2 capturing program implying production of sulphuric acid and neutralization with limestone)
2018-2023
compliance with maximum permissible emissions levels; decrease of SO2 emissions in the Norilsk industrial area by 75% (base year – 2015)
The Polar Division works on gradual reduction of SO2 emissions. Several steps were already
taken that resulted in 30% reduction of SO2 emissions in the residential area of Norilsk.
Furthermore, the Sulphur project is supposed to lead to 75% reduction of SO2 by 2023.
In order to control the implementation of the projects, on 28th of December 2018 the deputy
Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Gordeev approved “The comprehensive action plan
for the reduction of emissions of polluting substances into the atmosphere for the period
2019-2024”. Among others, the plan includes measures on air monitoring in Norilsk, as well
as the development of the system of socio-hygienic monitoring funded by the federal budget
and consolidated budget of the Krasnoyarsk kray9.
9 Nornickel, sustainability report. The new Nornickel: strategy in action, 2018. In Russian (see: https://www.nornickel.ru/upload/iblock/28a/NN_SR2018.pdf).
13
2.3. Production of the main metals and related pollution of the atmosphere
In 2013 Nornickel adopted a new strategy that introduced environmental projects aimed to
reduce SO2 emissions. The year of 2015 was chosen as a base year for defined goals (50%
reduction of SO2 emissions in Nikel and 75% reduction – across the Norilsk Industrial area).
From 2013 to 2017 the company has managed to decrease the emitted pollutants by 12%.
The 12% reduction of pollutant emissions into the atmosphere was mainly related to the
reduction of SO2 emissions. These pollutants decreased from 2033 kt in 2013 to 1785 kt in
2017. The main reason for this improvement was the shutdown of Nickel Plant in 2016. This
was an important step within the framework of the modernization strategy.
In contrast, the period of 2017 to 2018 was characterized by an increase of total Nornickel’s
emissions by 4.3% that took place due to the increased processing of sulfur-containing
materials. As explained by the company, this increase was expected and is a part of the plan
towards further emissions reduction.
Copper PlantPhoto: Nornickel
14
At both sites, Kola MMC and the Polar Division, the period of 2013 to 2018 marked a reduction
of air pollutant emissions, by 30% and 6% respectively (figures 2.3 and 2.4). The responsible
factor of this reduction was the reduced emissions of SO2.
Total emissions
SO2 emissions
Nickel production
Copper production
Palladium production
Platinum production
Figure 2.4. Production of main metals and emitted pollutants at the Polar Division
2 000 000
1 600 000
1 200 000
800 000
400 000
02013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
(tons)
Figure 2.3. Production of main metals and emitted pollutants at Kola MMC
200 000
160 000
120 000
80 000
40 000
02013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
(tons)
Total emissions
SO2 emissions
Nickel production
Copper production
Palladium production
Platinum production
15
The production of platinum and palladium stayed relatively stable over the period 2013-
2018 (figure 2.5). There was a rise of copper production by 21% throughout these years. The
growth is associated with the gradual attainment of projected capacity of Bystrinsky GOK,
an increase in the extraction of ore with a high copper grade, and the processing of copper
concentrate purchased from Rostec State Corporation. Whereas, nickel production dropped
by 32%. The decrease in physical volumes is due to the reconfiguration of production towards
domestic raw materials and the reduction of low-margin processing of raw materials coming
from third parties10.
2.4. Water and soil pollution
The problem of discharges of pollutants from Nornickel’s activities is not less important than
air pollution. Norilsk, Monchegorsk and Nikel are hot spots of the Russian Arctic that are
subject to high level of surface water pollution.
The total Nornickel’s pollutants discharged as part of the wastewater were amounted to 232
367 tons in 2018, which is 65% more than in 2014 and 7% more than in 2017. However,
Nornickel declares that the company’s wastewater discharges are carried out mainly within
the established limits, including within the rate of maximum permissible exposures on water
bodies, and do not have a significant impact on the biodiversity of water bodies and their
associated habit areas11.
10 Nornickel, press-release of 25.04.2019. In Russian (see: https://www.nornickel.ru/upload/iblock/a81/proizvodstvo_1_kv_2019_rus_final_full.pdf).
11 Nornickel, sustainability report. The new Nornickel: strategy in action, 2018. In Russian (see: https://www.nornickel.ru/upload/iblock/28a/NN_SR2018.pdf).
Figure 2.5. Total production of main metals by Nornickel
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
359 102
231 798
80 83 81 79 85 8320 19 19 19 21 20
228 438 222 016182 095
157 396 158 000
354 944 355 707 350 619387 642
436 201
Copper production
Nickel production
Palladium productionPlatinum production
500 000
400 000
300 000
200 000
100 000
0
(tons)
16
Meanwhile, over 85% of all cases of high and extremely high pollution levels of surface waters
in the Russian Arctic zone were accounted for water objects of the Murmansk oblast. In 2017,
102 cases of high and 50 cases of extremely high levels of pollution on 16 water bodies were
registered12.
The maximum concentration of surface water pollution with nickel was 97 MPC – river Kolos-
Yoki, Nikel. Compared to 2016, the presence of copper and nickel in the river at an elevation
of 14.7 km above Nikel increased on average during the year. The copper concentration
exceeded the permissible levels in 100% of test samples, nickel – in 93%13. On the river
Nuduay, Monchegorsk the concentration of copper in water was 169.4 MPC. In 2017, on lake
Imandra, the exceeded concentrations of copper (in 100% of test samples) and nickel (in 80%
of samples) were detected14.
In their turn, the soils of Murmansk oblast are in relatively good condition. However, the
hygienic standards for several substances in certain territories are exceeded. Thus, in the city
of Monchegorsk the presence of copper and nickel in the soil is above the hygienic standards15.
In order to decrease the impact of its activities on water bodies, in 2017 Nornickel implemented
the project of refinery upgrade in Monchegorsk. This led to the reduction of sodium, sulfates,
chlorides, boron and nickel in wastewaters16. Despite that, having been exposed to constant
pressure from industrial facilities during a long period of time, the water bodies have a low
ability of self-purification17. Thus, the effect of the refinery upgrade might not be so fast-
gaining and further environmental measures will probably be required.
12 Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Russia. State report on the state and protection of the environment of the Russian Federation in 2017. In Russian (see: http://www.mnr.gov.ru/docs/o_sostoyanii_i_ob_okhrane_okruzhayushchey_sredy_rossiyskoy_federatsii/gosudarstvennyy_doklad_o_sostoyanii_i_ob_okhrane_okruzhayushchey_sredy_rossiyskoy_federatsii_v_2017).
13 Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Murmansk oblast. Report on the state and protection of the environment of Murmansk oblast in 2017. In Russian (see: https://gov-murman.ru/upload/iblock/a35/Doklad_za-2017-god_ITOG_1.pdf).
14 Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Russia. State report on the state and protection of the environment of the Russian Federation in 2017. In Russian (see: http://www.mnr.gov.ru/docs/o_sostoyanii_i_ob_okhrane_okruzhayushchey_sredy_rossiyskoy_federatsii/gosudarstvennyy_doklad_o_sostoyanii_i_ob_okhrane_okruzhayushchey_sredy_rossiyskoy_federatsii_v_2017).
15 Ibid.16 The table is based on the information from Nornickel’s presentation “Kola MMC Environmental Investment Projects”, 2018. The
presentation was provided by Nornickel to the Bellona Foundation in June 2019.17 Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Murmansk oblast. Report on the state and protection of the environment of
Murmansk oblast in 2017. In Russian (see: https://gov-murman.ru/upload/iblock/a35/Doklad_za-2017-god_ITOG_1.pdf).
17
3. N��������’ �������
3.1. Key information for the roadmap
In order to illustrate any company’s plan for achieving emission reduction results, a roadmap
is an established concept. It serves as a representation of the key processes that ensure the
improvements and steps that a company is making to reach its defined goals. A properly made
roadmap provides stakeholders with all the necessary information to follow the company’s
achievements and progress.
At the moment, Nornickel does not provide a proper roadmap for its efforts to decrease the
negative environmental impact. On the basis of the information on SO2 emissions at Kola MMC
and the Polar Division, quantitative objectives and main related measures, Bellona proposes
an example of such a roadmap (figure 3.1). The roadmap shows future goals for each part of
the enterprise that are analyzed in the following chapters.
At the same time, it is worth mentioning that a lack of the information on the planned SO2
reduction of each measure, their contribution towards reaching the proposed goal and the
real effect after implementation does not allow us to create a complete roadmap illustrating
all the aspects of Nornickel’s environmental performance.
18
Nadezhda Metallurgical Plan
Norilsk Concentrator
Talnakh Concentrator
Copper Plant
Talnakh
Norilsk
Lake Pyasino
Measures towards reduction of SO2 emissions. Roadmap
POLAR DIVISION
Nickel Plant: shutdown
Talnakh concentrator: modernized and capacity
expanded
Nadezhda Smelter:– comprehensive sulphur
capturing solution;– construction of new
copper converters
Copper Smelter:– expansion/upgrade project
at the sulphur production facilities;
– shutdown of converting operations
- 5%Actual
reduction
2015 2016 2017 2018 2023 TARGET
1 853 920 1 758 180 1 675 900 1 761 224
463 480
- 75% Total reduction
planned for the Polar
Division
(tons)
19
- 32% Actual
reduction
2015 2016 2017 2018 2020 TARGET
2015 2016 2017 2018 2020 TARGET
160 000
140 000
120 000
100 000
80 000
60 000
40 000
20 000
0
KOLA MMC
ZAPOLYARNY:implementation
of the briquetting technology of copper-nickel concentrate instead of roasting pellets;
shutdown of agglomeration plant
NIKEL:reduction of smelting operations
keeping only rich concentrate smelting
MONCHEGORSK:introduction of nickel
production technology by electroextraction
- 50%planned in Nikel
- 0% (from the current
level)in Zapolyarny
- 0% (from the current
level)in Monchegorsk
Nikel
Zapolyarny
Smelting Shop
Briquetting section
Severny mine
PGM Concentrator
Refining Shop
Monchegorsk
(tons)
Figure 3.1. An example of Nornickel’s roadmap
Nikel Zapolyarny Monchegorsk Total
20
3.2. Comments on the roadmap
At the Polar Division, from 2015, there has been a 5% reduction of SO2 emissions. The main
contributing factors were shutdown of the Nickel Plant and modernization of Talnakh
concentrator. The further reduction is supposed to reach 75% by 2023. It will mainly be
possible due to the implementation of a comprehensive Sulphur project at Nadezhda and
Copper Smelters.
As for Kola MMC, the reduction of SO2 reached 32% (2015-2018). The most significant
measure was change-over to the briquetting technology in Zapolyarny. The reduction of
smelting operations in Nikel provided by selling of poor concentrate to third parties should
result in 50% reduction by 2020 and compliance with the MPE standards.
As we see from the roadmap above, there are no further goals for Monchegorsk and Zapolyarny.
The company explained it by the fact that both of the sites have been complying with the
maximum permissible emissions levels (see the chapters 4.1 and 4.2).
Meanwhile it should be noted that the data presented in published materials sometimes look
confusing, which evokes certain problems to understanding the real situation and conducting
a precise analysis. Thus, for example, the implementation of the briquetting technology in
Zapolyarny in 2016 led to a significant reduction of SO2 emissions. However, according to
one source18 these emissions reached 1616 tons in 2017, according to another19 – 4031 tons.
It means that if the emissions were indeed 1 616 tons, then the year of 2018 experienced
recurring growth, and the total SO2 emitted by the Zapolyarny facilities amounted to 3700
tons. What are the factors that caused this upturn? Are they related to some problems with
briquetting technology? If not and the emissions in 2017 indeed reached 4031 tons, then we
can observe the descending trend.
Regarding Nikel, it is situated in a close proximity to the Norwegian border which makes the
public attention to the air quality situation there even greater. Nornickel announces 50%
reduction of SO2 emissions in reference to 2015 as a base year in Nikel. First this result was
expected for 201920. Meanwhile, in the presentation of November the year to reach this 50%
objective was shifted, and a new year of 2020 was indicated21. At the same time, in February
2019 the company announced 30% reduction of SO2 emissions at Kola MMC22.
18 Nornickel, presentation “Improvement of environmental conditions across Kola MMC production sites in Nikel and Zapolyarny”, 2018. The presentation was provided by Nornickel to the Bellona Foundation in June 2019.
19 Official webpage of Kola MMC. Environmental activity. In Russian (see: http://www.kolagmk.ru/ecology/aspects).20 Nornickel, presentation “Financial results”, 2018. In Russian (see: https://www.nornickel.ru/news-and-media/media-library).21 Nornickel, presentation “Moving towards sustainable development”, 2018. In Russian (see: https://www.nornickel.ru/news-and-
media/media-library).22 Nornickel, presentation “Financial results”, 2018. In Russian (see: https://www.nornickel.ru/news-and-media/media-library).
21
As it seems, the work on reconstruction of the concentration plant in Zapolyarny, that was
previously supposed to be finished by the second quarter of 2019, has started only recently23.
It means the planned improvements of air quality situation in Nikel might be also postponed,
as the project in Zapolyarny implies significant load reduction at the smelter shop in Nikel
and putting out of operation one of its ore-thermal furnaces. The company explains the delay
in achieving the planned emission reduction targets by rescheduling of the concentrate
loading facility project by the contractor Outotec. At the same time Nornickel confirms that
the necessary measures to uphold 50% reduction promise by 2020 will be taken24.
The objective that is given for Polar Division is related to SO2 emissions reduction in the
Norilsk Industrial Area. In the presentation of financial results on March 6, 2018 the 70%
reduction of total SO2 emissions in the Norilsk Industrial Area was previewed by 2023 (with
2015 as a base year). Several months later, in November 2018, Nornickel mentioned a number
of 75% for the same period (2015-2023).
Worth noticing that with only 5% reduction of SO2 emissions that Nornickel has reached
at Polar Division since 2015, the number of 75% looks quite ambitious. Besides, after 75%
reduction, the Polar Division will continue to emit 463 480 tons of SO2 each year. This number
is comparable to the 440 550 tons that constitute total SO2 emissions of Norway, Sweden,
Finland, Denmark and Germany taken together25.
3.3. Prospects for further development
For the moment the company specifies two main quantitative goals to achieve, 50% reduction
of SO2 in Nikel by 2020 and 75% – at Polar Division by 2023. For Polar Division the main
project that is supposed to ensure achievement of the goal, is the Sulphur project. From the
year of 2017 to 2018, according to the data from Nornickel, SO2 emissions increased by 5%
despite 15% increase of copper production (smelting) at Polar Division26. This statement
demonstrates an interdependence between production and emissions growth.
If so, the planned growth in production of all the main metals of the Nornickel’s group (figure
3.2) going with the opening of new production sites (development of South Cluster and
expansion of Talnakh) might be also associated with increased SO2 emissions, unless the new
technologies manage to break this pattern.
23 Nornickel, sustainability report. The new Nornickel: strategy in action, 2018. In Russian (see: https://www.nornickel.ru/upload/iblock/28a/NN_SR2018.pdf).
24 Nornickel, annual report. Progress towards sustainable growth, 2018. In Russian (see: https://www.nornickel.ru/upload/iblock/4d0/Godovoy_otchet_2018.pdf).
25 Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, 2016. Emissions of air pollutants (see: https://stats.oecd.org/Index.aspx?DataSetCode=AIR_EMISSIONS).
26 Nornickel, Financial results, 2018. In Russian (see: https://www.nornickel.ru/news-and-media/media-library).
22
The demand for metals grows and production methods have to be in line. Copper and nickel
demands are estimated to double in the next 20 years and to continue going up (figures 3.3 and
3.4). With such growth rate the implementation of measures aimed to reduce environmental
impact is of primary importance.
Meanwhile, the announced 75% decrease of SO2 emissions at Polar Division by 2023
absolutely requires decoupling of metals production growth and released emissions. In order
to keep leading market positions in a situation of increasing demand for metals, the company
has to adapt to new realities.
How the production growth will correspond with pollutants emitted into the atmosphere?
Will it be possible to keep up with the promised reduction of emissions satisfying at the
same time growing needs for metals? Which other environmental measures can contribute
to the decoupling? These are all open questions that will define how Nornickel faces current
challenges and what are the strategies of the company to keep and strengthen its market
positions.
Figure 3.2. Strategic production objectives for the period up to 2025 and longer
Source: https://www.nornickel.ru/news-and-media/media-library
2017 2025+
210
>240
+15%
Nithousand
tons
2017 2025+
398
>460
+15%
Cuthousand
tons
2017 2025+
105
130+25%
Pt+Pdthousand
tons
23
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
0 2020 2030 2040 2050 2060 2070 2080 2090 2100 2015
Figure 3.3. Global copper demand by product category until 2100
Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0921344918300041
Figure 3.4. Sources of long term incremental nickel demand until 2040
Source: https://www.woodmac.com/reports/metals-global-nickel-long-term-outlook-q4-2018-61059892
Net Ni demand requirement (kt)
Industrial
Commercial
Consumer
Transportation
Infrastructure
Buildings
Copper Demand (Mt)
4000
3800
3600
3400
3200
3000
2800
2600
2400
2200
2000
1.620 Мt
1.130 Мt
Global 2018 China Stainless
Other stainless
China EVs Other Asia EVs
Other EVs Other Global 2040
24
4. A�� ���� ��� ��� ��� ��� �����
4.1. Maximum permissible emissions
For the purpose of state regulation of emissions of harmful (polluting) substances into
the air for stationary sources, the following norms are established: maximum permissible
emissions; maximum permissible standards of harmful physical impacts on the atmosphere;
technological emission standards27.
The maximum permissible emission is the standard of emission of a harmful (polluting)
substance into the atmosphere. It is defined as the volume or mass of a chemical substance or
a mixture of chemical substances, microorganisms, other substances, allowed to be emitted
into the atmosphere by a stationary source and (or) by a set of stationary sources, and in
compliance with which the requirements in the field of air protection are met28.
Maximum permissible emissions for a particular stationary source of emissions of harmful
(polluting) substances into the atmosphere and for a legal entity are established by territorial
bodies of the Federal Supervisory Natural Resources Management Service (with the
exception of radioactive substances) provided there is a sanitary-epidemiological certificate
of compliance of emission limits with sanitary rules. Thus, maximum permissible emissions
are defined by Interregional directorate of the Federal Supervisory Natural Resources
Management Service for Krasnoyarsk kray and the Republic of Tyva for the Polar Division29
and by the directorate of the Federal Supervisory Natural Resources Management Service for
Murmansk oblast for Kola MMC30.
Permission № 461 dated 28.09.2017 defined sulfur dioxide emission limits for Kola MMC
Nikel site. For the period 28.09.2017 – 27.09.2018 these limits were set as of 80 496 tons
per year, including: within MPE (maximum permissible emissions) – 31 101 tons per year
and within TAE (temporary agreed emissions) – 49 395 tons per year31. As is planned, 50%
reduction of SO2 emissions is expected on the Nikel site, and in 2020 the site will comply with
the permitted emissions levels32.
27 Federal Law on Protection of Atmospheric Air of 04.05.1999 № 96-FZ, last updated 29.07.2018, art. 12. In Russian (see: http://www.consultant.ru/document/cons_doc_LAW_22971).
28 Ibid, art. 1.29 Current permission for emissions of harmful substances (except radioactive) into the atmosphere for the period up to 31.12.2019 (see:
http://ru.nornik2.3ebra.com/investors/disclosure/significant-facts/YNYt0PDbpESFTHo35fgdug-B-B/).30 Current permission for emissions of harmful substances (except radioactive) into the atmosphere for the period up to 28.08.2024 (see:
https://www.nornickel.ru/investors/disclosure/significant-facts/iGKToFcIlEi27HIZw-AcWRA-B-B/).31 Nornickel, presentation “Kola MMC Environmental Investment Projects”, 2018. The presentation was provided by Nornickel to the Bellona Foundation in June 2019.32 Nornickel, annual report. Progress towards sustainable growth, 2018. In Russian (see: https://www.nornickel.ru/upload/iblock/4d0/
Godovoy_otchet_2018.pdf).
25
The sulfur dioxide emission limits for Zapolyarny are equal to 6851 tons per year33 and the site
has been complying with the MPE rates since 201734. As for the Monchegorsk site, the limits
are set on the level of 39 900 tons per year, and the site has been complying with this number
since 2007. Besides, the 45% reduction of emissions (from the currently permitted levels)
is expected by 2023 as an outcome of a project of implementation of an innovative copper
cathode production technology at the Monchegorsk site35. The objective is aimed to guarantee
compliance with the current MPE in case of a future increase of finished product output. If
both objectives are reached (reduction of emissions and production growth), it means that
due to introduction of the mentioned measures, SO2 emissions per tons of production will be
decreased.
Regarding the Polar Division, Nornickel announces that once 75% reduction of SO2 emissions
is achieved, the normative quality of the air in Norilsk will be guaranteed no matter the wind
direction and speed36. However, the maximum permissible emissions levels themselves are
not provided, which does not allow us to follow the progress of the company towards this
goal.
4.2. Maximum permissible concentrations
Compliance of the maximum permissible emissions with sanitary rules is determined on the
basis of hygienic standards for atmospheric air quality.
Hygienic standards – the maximum permissible concentration (MPC) of atmospheric pollution
of chemical and biological substances are the basis for regulating the air quality in populated
areas. Adherence to these standards ensures the absence of direct or indirect impact on the
health of the population and the living conditions37.
The sanitary and epidemiological service in exercise of sanitary supervisory functions
systematically monitors compliance with the standards of the MPC in the water bodies of
household water use, in the ambient air and in the air of production areas.
To have a better understanding of the air quality values in different countries, the comparative
table of the adopted MPC was made (table 4.1). Depending on the country, the standards might
be set as a maximum permissible one-time concentration, average daily, 1-hour average,
annual mean and even as a 10-minute mean.
33 Nornickel, presentation “Kola MMC Environmental Investment Projects”, 2018. The presentation was provided by Nornickel to the Bellona Foundation in June 2019.
34 Nornickel, presentation “Improvement of environmental conditions across Kola MMC production sites in Nikel and Zapolyarny”, 2018. The presentation was provided by Nornickel to the Bellona Foundation in June 2019.
35 Nornickel, presentation “Kola MMC Environmental Investment Projects”, 2018. The presentation was provided by Nornickel to the Bellona Foundation in June 2019.
36 Nornickel, annual report. Progress towards sustainable growth, 2018. In Russian (see: https://www.nornickel.ru/upload/iblock/4d0/Godovoy_otchet_2018.pdf).37 Sanitary and epidemiological rules and regulations 2.1.6.1032-01 of 17.05.2001. Hygienic requirements for atmospheric air quality in
populated areas. In Russian (see: http://docs.cntd.ru/document/901787814).
26
38 Decision of the main state sanitary doctor of the Russian Federation of 22.12.2017 № 165 “On the approval of hygienic standards GN 2.1.6.3492-17 maximum permissible concentrations (MPC) of pollutants in the atmospheric air of urban and rural settlements”. In Russian (see: http://www.consultant.ru/cons/cgi/online.cgi?req=doc&base=LAW&n=300614&fld=134&dst=100001,0&rnd=0.02852720982242196#02124571934021503).
39 Ministry of the Climate and Environment of Norway. Pollution regulation of 01.06.2004, last updated 17.06.2019 (see: https://lovdata.no/dokument/SF/forskrift/2004-06-01-931/*#KAPITTEL_3).
40 Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council № 2008/50/EC of 21.05.2008 on “Ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe” (see: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32008L0050&from=en).
41 Decree on Air quality of 16.12.1985, last updated 16.04.2019. In French (see: https://www.admin.ch/opc/fr/classified-compilation/19850321/index.html).
42 Ministry of the Environment of Japan. Environmental quality standards in Japan. Air quality (see: https://www.env.go.jp/en/air/aq/aq.html).
43 WHO Air quality guideline values (see: http://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ambient-(outdoor)-air-quality-and-health).44 United States Environmental Protection Agency. Reviewing national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS): scientific and technical
information (see: https://www.epa.gov/criteria-air-pollutants/naaqs-table).
Table 4.1. Maximum permissible (average daily if other is not indicated) concentrations (MPC) of pollutants in ambient air in some countries
CountryType of pollutant, mg/m3
SO2 NO2
Russia38 0.05 0.5 (one time) 0.04 0.2 (one time)
Norway39 0.125 0.35 (hourly) 0.2 (hourly) 0.04 (annual)
EU40 0.125 0.35 (hourly) 0.2 (hourly) 0.04 (annual)
Switzerland41 0.1 0.03 (annual) 0.08 0.03 (annual)
Japan42 0.113 0.266 (hourly) 0.122 n/a
WHO guidelines43 0.02 0.5 (10-minute mean) 0.2 (hourly) 0.04 (annual)
USA44 0.196 (hourly) n/a 0.188 (hourly) 0.1 (annual)
As one can see from the table, the accepted values of the MPC in Russia are more stringent
compared to those used in other countries, including Norway. However, the legal regulations
of these values in Russia do not guarantee compliance with them, and in practice, the
environmental standards are not always respected due to the weak enforcement mechanism.
The Ministry of Natural Resources states the very high level of air pollution in the city of
Norilsk. However, with the shutdown of Nickel plant and the launch of modernized Talnakh
factory, the emissions in Norilsk are going down. By 2023 with the implementation of the
Sulphur project the situation is supposed to stabilize and norms of MPE to be respected.
As for the Kola Peninsula, currently the observational network of the Murmansk weather
control and environmental monitoring service encompasses automated information-
measuring complexes that are installed in nine industrial cities, including Zapolyarny,
Monchegorsk, Nikel, for continuous monitoring of pollutants.
27
The Monchegorsk site has been complying with the maximum permissible emissions of
sulfur dioxide since 2007, and the Zapolyarny site – from 201745. However, for both cities, the
exceedances of maximum one-time concentrations of sulfur dioxide in the atmosphere are
observed periodically.
Figure 4.1. Average yearly SO2-concentrations in the air in Zapolyarny and Nikel. Red line shows the threshold
Source: https://gov-murman.ru/upload/iblock/4a3/Doklad_za-2018-god_28-05-2019_ITOG.pdf
0.09
0.08
0.07
0.06
0.05
0.04
0.03
0.02
0.01
0
0.16
0.14
0.12
0.1
0.08
0.06
0.04
0.02
0
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
(mg/m3)ZAPOLYARNY
NIKEL
In 2018 the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of Murmansk oblast stated the
low level of pollution for Monchegorsk. In its turn, as is seen from the figure 4.1, the annual
average concentrations of SO2 in the air in Zapolyarny had been decreasing from 2014 and
reached the norms in 2017. However, the exceedance of maximum permissible concentrations
in Zapolyarny was stated again in 2018. As for Nickel, the concentrations were above the
threshold within all the period (2014-2018).
45 Nornickel, presentation “Improvement of environmental conditions across Kola MMC production sites in Nikel and Zapolyarny”, 2018. The presentation was provided by Nornickel to the Bellona Foundation in June 2019.
28
Thus, for example, on 9th of May 2019 the maximum one-time concentration of sulfur dioxide
in the atmosphere of Monchegorsk was equal to 3.1 MPC; on 13th of March – 4.0 MPC; on 12th of
March – 3.6 MPC; on 8th of March – 4.5 MPC (for comparison: on 7th of March 2018 – 9.0 MPC).
As for the city of Zapolyarny, on 10th of April 2019 the maximum one-time concentration of
sulfur dioxide in the atmosphere was equal to 3.1 MPC; on 31st of March – 2.0 MPC; on 26th of
March – 2.5 MPC; on 12th of March – 3.6 MPC; on 7th of March – 2.5 MPC; on 26th of January –
4.5 MPC; on 15th of January – 3.9 MPC (for comparison: on 3rd of February 2018 – 6.3 MPC)46.
Taking into consideration the fact that both of these sites have been complying with the norms
of the MPE, there are several questions that come to the mind. What are the possible causes
of periodic exceedance of maximum one-time concentrations? Are the established norms of
the MPE sufficiently strict to ensure the normative air quality? Are there any future measures
planned to avoid such exceedance and to ensure compliance with the MPC?
In the words of the company, the increased concentrations of sulfur dioxide are observed
under adverse weather conditions, contributing to the accumulation of harmful impurities in
the atmospheric air. In order to prevent exceeding MPC levels the company takes additional
actions, right down to a complete stop of a number of processes. Moreover, the main emissions
of sulfur dioxide in Zapolyarny are not related to a briquetting section but to an oil-fired
thermal power station providing heating to the residential area and industrial site.
As for the town of Nikel, the exceedance of the MPC is observed quite often. From time to time
this exceedance is very significant. On 26th of May 2019 the maximum one-time concentration
of SO2 in the atmosphere of Nikel was equal to 10.0 MPC, on 20th of May – 5.6 MPC, on 12th of
May – 5.2 MPC, on 2nd of May – 9.8 MPC, on 27th of April – 7.4 MPC47. With regards Nikel, the
company plans to reduce SO2 emissions and to meet the MPE standards by 2020. The time will
show whether these measures are sufficient to avoid the exceedance and guarantee safe air
quality in the area.
46 Weather control and environmental monitoring service of Murmansk, 2019. In Russian (see: http://kolgimet.ru/monitoring-zagrjaznenija-okruzhajushchei-sredy/sostojanie-i-zagrjaznenie-atmosfernogo-vozdukha/?no_cache=1).
47 Ibid.
29
48 Federal Law on Protection of Atmospheric Air of 04.05.1999 № 96, last updated 29.07.2018, art. 1. In Russian (see: http://www.consultant.ru/document/cons_doc_LAW_22971/).
49 Federal Law on Protection of Environment of 10.01.2002 № 7, last updated 27.12.2018, art. 23. In Russian (see: http://www.consultant.ru/document/cons_doc_LAW_34823).
50 European Commission. Reference documents (see: http://eippcb.jrc.ec.europa.eu/reference).51 Presidential Address to the Federal Assembly, 2019 (see: http://kremlin.ru/events/president/news/59863).
4.3. Technological emissions norms
In their turn, the technological emissions norms are the standard of emission of a harmful
(polluting) substance into the atmosphere, established for main production technological
processes and for the equipment related to the fields of application of the best available
technologies, using the technological indicator of emission48. Technological norms are
developed by legal entities and self-employed individuals engaged in the activities at facilities
of the first category49.
In 2016 the Russian government was implementing a law, originally introduced in 2014, to
demand that the best available technologies are adopted by the industry within the country.
Such legislation, called BAT for short, has been the norm in several places in the world since
before the turn of the millennia. In the European Union, BAT-standards for each sector are
defined in so called BREFs, that is, BAT reference documents. This makes it possible for the
industry to know what demands are relevant for their own sector50. In Russia, the standards
for BAT are under development, and will first be introduced as a pilot project for the 300 most
polluting companies in the country, one of which happens to be Nornickel.
In the presidential address of 2019 it was mentioned that residents of the largest industrial
centers of Russia, including Norilsk, should feel the positive effect of the transition of the
industries to the best available technologies and strict environmental standards51.
As far as we know, the Russian system for BAT will be accompanied by a new reward-system
for those companies that do reduce their emissions of pollutants to the environment. The
Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation has stated that it will introduce a new tax-
system that should benefit those that conform to the new standards under the BAT-regime.
Companies that hold true to the standards will be exempt from a range of taxes on the
disposal of pollutants. The main issue is whether the standards will be good enough to have a
significant impact on pollution across the board.
Among others measures, the decree of the Russian Government of 13.03.2019 № 262 “On
approval of the rules for the establishment and operation of the automatic control system for
emissions of polluting substances and (or) discharges of polluting substances” addresses this
acute necessity in BAT. For the moment, according to the information provided by Nornickel,
in order to ensure standardization in the field of environmental protection based on the
technological indicators of the BAT, the company is taking the necessary measures to obtain a
Comprehensive Environmental Permit within the period specified by law – until December 31,
2022. As a result of these measures, Nornickel is going to comply with the above-mentioned
decree.
Nornickel was one of the first companies to test using the technological emissions norms
in order to regulate the emitted pollutants. In 2002, at the initial stage, data on about 1500
sources of emissions from mining, concentration and metallurgical production of the Polar
30
Division were collected and processed. They formed the basis of the emission inventory. For
that moment, SO2 specific emissions at Polar Division were about 3 tons per 1 ton of produced
copper and nickel52.
In March 2013, a meeting of the Public Council of the Territorial Administration of Rosprirodnadzor
for the Krasnoyarsk kray was held, at which proposals for technological standards for emissions
into the atmosphere for the main production of the Polar Division of Nornickel were presented.
The company then pointed out its readiness to accept the comments of the members of the board
to refine and improve the system of technological standards53.
Once installed the automatic control system might provide the ground for prompt response
on exceeded concentrations. To date, Nornickel does not furnish with information on
technological emissions norms for its technological processes. Nevertheless, if we make rough
estimations of SO2 emissions per 1 ton of production, neglecting the effect of other pollutants
emitted from nickel and copper production and considering that SO2 was emitted mainly from
nickel and copper production, the numbers will be the following (table 4.2).
Table 4.2. Tons of SO2 emissions per 1 ton of nickel and copper production in 2013-2018
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Polar Division 4.48 4.28 4.76 5.31 5.46 4.98
Kola MMC 0.88 0.92 0.82 0.59 0.46 0.43
Based on the table, the improvements are seen for Kola MMC. Thus, to produce 1 ton of nickel
and copper in 2013, 0.88 tons of SO2 were emitted. Whereas in 2018 this number decreased
by two and was equal to 0.43 tons of SO2 per 1 ton of production.
For the Polar Division, the values are less optimistic. Within 6 years period for production of 1
ton of nickel and copper about 5 tons of SO2 were released. In 2018, after the shutdown of the
Nickel plant in 2016, we see 0.5 tons decrease, but the values are still high.
Meanwhile, with the planned decrease of SO2 emissions by 75% by 2023, even if we consider
that production rates stay the same (which are in reality supposed to growth with the
increased demand for metals), the ratio will be 1.31 tons of SO2 per 1 ton of nickel and copper
production. That would show the progress towards environmental improvements in the
region. Unless this 75% reduction is reached, the emission/production ratio does not look
promising for the Polar Division.
52 Smolin M. A. The usage of technical standards for the regulation of air pollutants emitted into the atmosphere. In Russian (see: http://pmi.spmi.ru/index.php/pmi/article/view/3260/3362).
53 Web-based media BezFormata. Nornickel presented its proposals on technical standards for air emissions for the main production facilities of the Polar Division. In Russian (see: http://krasnoyarsk.bezformata.com/listnews/potehnicheskim-normativam-vibrosov/10496862).
31
C���� ��� (and Bellona’s opinion on possible ways to improve environmental performance of Nornickel, its public acceptance and compliance with international standards)
As our research shows, in recent years the principal shareholder and company’s management
has understood that the company should move toward improving its environmental
performance. As a result, Nornickel’s production should be carried out in a way that does the
least possible harm to the environment.
From the statistics shown in the report, it is apparent that Nornickel is gradually increasing
its costs for projects aimed at solving environmental problems. This has already resulted in
emissions reduction at several of the company’s production sites in Russia. The company is
modernizing its facilities to cope with the growing demand for both metals and environmentally
friendly production. International standards and competition require the company minimize
environmental impact across the entire production chain.
Nornickel seeks to increase its ambitions in order to become a world leader in the production
of important metals in an environmentally friendly manner. However, Bellona has no
information available as to what Nornickel plans to do if they reach their current emissions
reduction goals. As we have seen, the current SO2 emission reduction goals of the company
consist of a goal of 50% reduction of SO2 emissions in Nikel on the Kola Peninsula, as well as
a 75% reduction for the whole Polar Division. Bellona interprets this as the company being
content with the current emissions in Monchegorsk and Zapolyarny on the Kola Peninsula,
as the latter two are currently emitting within the maximum permissible emission levels
defined by the Russian state. Meanwhile, the periodical exceedance of maximum one-time
concentrations is still a problem in Monchegorsk, Zapolyarny and Nikel.
For many years Bellona has been following what is happening at the enterprises of Nornickel,
especially on the Kola Peninsula. Therefore, Bellona has an understanding of what steps
Nornickel should take in order to improve its environmental performance, as well as its
acceptance at public and international levels. Bellona’s opinion and propositions are based
on the experience of cooperation with various state, private and public structure – a trust
Bellona has gained over more than thirty years of vigorous activity, including in Russia.
Compliance with international standards. The attention of the international community to
mining and processing of mineral resources has led to the introduction of new certification
schemes that require companies striving to be competitive in the market to certify their
production according to a recognized independent certification system. These schemes
increase the focus on documenting emissions and discharges affecting the environment
throughout the life cycle of a particular product by analyzing that cycle or by declaring
the environmental impact of the product in question. Certification might affect the
competitiveness of a given company because it makes it easier to compare the environmental
impact of different companies.
32
In addition, the new ISO standard, used throughout the cycle, will facilitate the “documentation
of the cyclicity” of various products. This means that companies that also use by-products
in their main or other production chain will gain a competitive advantage. The demand for
minerals is so great that almost any company will be able to sell its production. Meanwhile
if companies do not take steps to meet the requirements arising from public opinion and
environmental standards for products, they might face a lower price for their products.
Implementation of environmental and social projects. As mentioned in the report, Nornickel
has an environmental strategy, as well as environmental programs and projects. From the
year 2013 to 2018, some of the company’s negative impacts were reduced, mainly on the Kola
Peninsula, and as a result of the closure of the Nickel Plant in Norilsk. The targets announced
by Nornickel are promising provided that the company follows its declared path, especially in
its Sulphur project for the Polar Division, which is supposed to solve air pollution problems in
the Norilsk Industrial area.
For an accurate understanding of how the environmental strategy of the company is being
implemented, it would be advisable to present experts and the public with a roadmap
containing information on the specific practical steps that the company plans to take in order
to achieve a clearly defined goal – that goal being to make production as environmentally
friendly as possible with minimal emissions and discharges of harmful substances into the
environment. The roadmap should include what measures the company plans to take, an
estimated timeline on which the measures will be adopted, as well as the expected results
of the harm reduction measures for specific production facilities. It is recommended that the
roadmap be discussed with public interest groups and experts in regions where Nornickel
operates. This would make it possible not only to understand how and where the company is
developing, but also to monitor its achievements and progress towards defined goals.
Disclosure of information. A company that seeks public acceptance and international
recognition should first ensure that its content and press services are as accessible and open
to the public as possible. It is important that information be provided on time, especially
when force majeure events take place – for example, when adverse weather conditions
cause environmental destruction. It would be advisable for Nornickel to work out a system
of answering questions posed by concerned citizens and public interest organizations.
Otherwise, misunderstanding arises when information from the company differs from
information coming from supervisory authorities (for example, Roshydromet). Such cases
require prompt responses so that there is no suspicion that the company is shielding facts
from public view. The company’s website should offer opportunities to communicate with the
public through a “live page” with a feedback function.
Disclosure of information does not only mean the provision of information through information
resources. It would be advisable to introduce the practice of technical-information tours of
the company’s facilities. This would allow media representatives, public organizations and
local administrations to see whether the company is following through on its stated goals.
33
Interaction with civil society and public participation. As practice shows, large companies and
corporations that have a negative impact on the environment must work to establish public
participation as well as close contact with civil society groups. Public participation, public
monitoring, and company interaction with citizens and non-profit organizations are signs of
a democratic society. Nornickel is a private company, but its operations affect vast territories
and the population. Bellona thinks it is advisable for Nornickel to create a public consultative
structure similar to the public councils seen at state corporations to facilitate interaction
with the citizens and public organizations. This would solve a number of important issues
for people living in single-industry towns and operations areas of Nornickel. Moreover, this
would help to ensure the company’s interaction with public and industry associations, as well
as with local authorities.
International cooperation. Nornickel operates in zones bordering on foreign states. The
company has its facilities abroad and is interested in developing them and expanding
capacities. In addition, Nornickel is a company whose products will be in demand in the coming
years serving many purposes, – specifically the manufacture of energy storage devices for use
in electric transport and industrial application. This and other reasons should force Nornickel
to intensify its efforts in developing international cooperation with state, commercial and
public organizations.
Foreign countries and international business are interested in cooperating with Nornickel
no less than Nornickel is interested in cooperating with them. It is therefore necessary to
determine where those points of interest lie. As mentioned above, international cooperation
will require transparency, high environmental standards and the public’s acceptance of the
company.